Buffalo Chicken Chili Slow Cooker Recipe

Cold days call for dinners that warm you up and this buffalo chicken chili slow cooker recipe does exactly that. Tender chicken, beans, and a creamy buffalo base turn into the kind of dinner that warms you up from the inside out.

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The backstory.

Chili is always a go-to around here, especially when the schedule is packed and everyone's hungry at different times. Buffalo chicken has been a long-time favorite, so turning it into a slow cooker chili made sense. I wanted something cozy and familiar, but with that bold buffalo flavor worked in from the start.

It's a must make.

A must make when you want pure comfort in a bowl, this buffalo chicken chili slow cooker recipe is simple.

• It's bold without being overwhelming. The buffalo sauce adds warmth and tang while still letting the chili flavors shine through.
• Weeknight-easy. It comes together quickly and cooks in the slow cooker, making it an easy dinner to fit into a busy day.
• Leftovers-friendly. This chili holds up well in the fridge, making it a great option for lunches or another easy dinner later in the week.
• Family-friendly. The flavors are cozy and familiar, and it's easy to serve with simple toppings so everyone can make their bowl their own.

Let's talk flavor and texture.

This chili lands right in that sweet spot between creamy and hearty. The chicken cooks until it's tender enough to shred easily, while the beans give it enough body to feel filling without being heavy. Buffalo sauce brings warmth and tang, and the creamy base keeps everything balanced. Every spoonful feels comforting in the best way.

What you'll need.

Nothing fancy is needed here - the slow cooker creamy buffalo chicken chili recipe uses simple ingredients.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These cook low and slow until perfectly tender and easy to shred.
• Yellow onion: Adds a savory base and balances the buffalo sauce - frozen diced onion works in a pinch.
• Celery: Adds some texture and its a classic pairing with buffalo chicken.
• Bell pepper: Any color is fine and brings a touch of sweetness and color to the chili.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth, but garlic powder works if that's what you have.
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Give the chili a subtle smoky flavor and a rich base.
• Black beans: Hearty and filling, they make this chili feel extra satisfying.
• White beans or great northern beans: Creamy beans that pair perfectly with buffalo sauce.
• Chicken broth: Helps create the perfect chili slow cooker consistency.
• Buffalo sauce: Use mild or medium buffalo wing sauce depending on your heat preference.
• Chili powder: Adds warmth without overpowering the buffalo flavor.
• Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky note that works beautifully with buffalo.
• Cumin: Adds depth and rounds out the spice blend.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for balance and flavor.
• Cream cheese: This is where the creaminess comes from - full fat cream cheese can be used for extra richness.
• Shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese: Melts into the chili and makes it extra cozy.
• Optional toppings: Blue cheese crumbles, green onions, extra cheese, sour cream, ranch drizzle, or even chopped celery for crunch.

For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

How to make crockpot buffalo chicken chili.

This buffalo chicken chili comes together right in the crockpot with minimal prep and big flavor payoff. Here's how it goes down:

1. Add everything except the cheeses to the slow cooker and give it a gentle stir.
2. Let it cook low and slow until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. Shred the chicken right in the cooker or on a plate, then return it to the sauce.
4. Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheese until melted and creamy, then let it finish cooking briefly.

Make it your way.

One of my favorite things about this buffalo chicken chili is how easy it is to tweak depending on who's coming to dinner.

• Swap black beans for pinto beans or use all white beans for a milder flavor.
• Stir in a cup of frozen corn during the last part of cooking for a subtle sweetness.
• Use mild buffalo sauce for less heat or medium if you like a little more kick.
• Go with full-fat cream cheese if you want it extra rich and ultra creamy.

How to serve it.

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You'll love that this buffalo chicken chili slow cooker meal is easy to dress up with toppings and simple sides for a no-stress dinner.

• Top with green onions, shredded cheese, or blue cheese crumbles
• Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or crusty bread.
• Add a simple side salad to balance the richness.
• Spoon leftovers over baked potatoes or rice for an easy next-day meal.

Kori's tips.

• Warm the cream cheese before adding it so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Every cooker runs a little different - check doneness with a thermometer for best results.
• Taste at the end and adjust heat with extra buffalo sauce if needed.

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